Systemic complications of cyanosis in adults with congenital heart disease. Hematologic derangements, renal function, and urate metabolism.

The regulation of red cell mass, the hemostatic derangements, the structure and function of the kidneys and the determinants of plasma urate levels are important concerns in the clinical management of adults with cyanotic congenital heart disease. Because these topics are interrelated, they are discussed together in terms of pathogenesis, clinical expression, and management.